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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE21.5

E21.5

Billable

Disorder of parathyroid gland, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 E21.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disorder of parathyroid gland, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorders of the parathyroid gland can lead to significant imbalances in calcium metabolism, primarily affecting bone health and neuromuscular function. The parathyroid glands, typically four in number, are small endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland. They play a crucial role in regulating serum calcium levels through the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). An unspecified disorder may indicate a range of conditions, including hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, or parathyroid adenomas, without a clear diagnosis. Symptoms may vary widely, from asymptomatic cases to severe manifestations such as muscle cramps, seizures, or osteoporosis. Diagnosis often involves serum calcium and PTH level assessments, imaging studies, and sometimes biopsy. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and may include surgical intervention, medication, or monitoring. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement, as these disorders can significantly impact patient health and quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive lab and imaging studies for accurate diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other endocrine disorders
  • Lack of specificity in the code leading to ambiguity in documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of the disorder
  • Misinterpretation of lab results leading to incorrect coding
  • Inconsistent use of terminology in clinical notes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including lab results, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with symptoms of hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia, requiring evaluation of parathyroid function.

Billing Considerations

Endocrinologists must ensure that all relevant lab results and imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing surgical interventions on the parathyroid glands.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism.

Billing Considerations

Surgeons should document the indication for surgery and any findings during the procedure to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E21.5 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, E21
  • 5 should be used when the specific disorder of the parathyroid gland is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this unspecified code and consider more specific codes if available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E21.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

80048CPT Code

Calcium, total

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate calcium levels in patients suspected of parathyroid disorders.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and any relevant clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Endocrinologists should ensure that all lab results are linked to the diagnosis.

60500CPT Code

Parathyroidectomy

Clinical Scenario

Surgical intervention for hyperparathyroidism.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the indication for surgery and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Surgeons should document the preoperative evaluation and postoperative care.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of parathyroid disorders, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these conditions. However, the unspecified nature of E21.5 can lead to challenges in documentation and reimbursement if not properly supported.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of parathyroid disorders, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these conditions. However, the unspecified nature of E21.5 can lead to challenges in documentation and reimbursement if not properly supported.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement if not properly supported.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use E21.5?

E21.5 should be used when there is a disorder of the parathyroid gland that has not been specified further. Ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.

What are the common symptoms associated with parathyroid disorders?

Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, and neuromuscular irritability. Symptoms can vary widely based on the specific disorder.